Artists: Silvano Fiato

About 10 years ago. But six years ago I opened my own studio and started tattooing professionally every day.

How did you get into tattooing?

I have always been an art lover. I have been drawing since I was a child. My grandfather had many tattoos so they have always fascinated me. One day I bought a tattoo magazine and I was very impressed by the work of Robert Hernandez; from there I realized that what I already did on paper was also applicable on the skin. I discovered what I wanted do in my life.

Do you have any special training?

I attended an art school.

What conventions have you worked? What are some of your best convention memories?

Since 2009, I’ve attended a few conventions. I’ve won many awards, although I don’t think that’s the most important thing about conventions. I’ve always enjoyed conventions and I’ve developed good friendships with colleagues—these are definitely the best memories I have.

How do you describe your style?

If I could give a name to my style I would call it hyper-realism emotional, because I’m just not a portraitist, but I always try to tell a story and give emotions with my tattoos. I don’t just copy a photo and stop.

What inspires you as an artist?

I draw my inspiration from many things—movies, nature, and all things around me, especially my life experiences. I always try to convey that in my work.

What sets you apart from other artists?

Surely the originality. I do not copy the style of my colleagues. I am constantly looking for new ideas, and I’d like to revolutionize the world of tattoo.

What other mediums do you work in?

I would love to go back to painting, but at the moment I do not have the time.

How have you branched out from tattooing?

Being a tattoo artist is not just a job for me, but more a passion. I dedicate my whole self to improve every day, and the little free time I have left I spend with my family, my wife and my son.

What tattoo artists do you admire most?

There are many artists I admire, adore. Volko, Victor Portugal, Robert Hernandez, and many others. I always think that we can learn from everyone.

Before someone gets a tattoo what advice do you give them?

I ask customers to leave as much “white paper” as possible because that’s how I make the best pieces. Luckily, today my customers trust me and give me the freedom to interpret their desires and turn them into tattoos.

Is there a tattoo that you haven’t done yet that you are dying to do?

Yes—my dream is to do a full-body tattoo where you can tell the same story throughout the body of the person.